Protesters gather in Lisbon

Thousands of people gathered outside the Portuguese parliament in Lisbon on Tuesday evening to protest against the housing crisis and alleged police violence. The demonstration highlighted growing public frustration with both housing policies and law enforcement practices.

Symbolic displays at the protest

The protest area featured symbolic elements such as video clips, cardboard houses, and red buttons, representing the struggles of those affected by the housing crisis. These displays aimed to draw attention to the urgency of the issue and the need for immediate action.

Songs and slogans at the protest

Protesters sang the song "É a nossa morada" ("This is where we live") and chanted slogans against fascism. Banners called for the right to housing and condemned the treatment of activists by law enforcement, emphasizing the link between housing rights and social justice.

Singer joins the demonstration

Singer Marisa Liz participated in the gathering, lending her voice and support to the cause. Her presence underscored the growing public interest and concern over the housing crisis and police conduct in Portugal.

Evictions and police response

The demonstration followed police operations to evict protest camps in Lisbon and Porto. During these operations, officers used batons and made dozens of arrests, leading to reports of injuries from both activists and police.

Injuries and conflicting reports

Activists claimed that 60 people were injured during the evictions, while the police reported only seven minor injuries. These conflicting accounts have fueled further public discontent and calls for transparency and accountability.

President calls for dialogue

President António José Seguro condemned the violence and called for dialogue, stating he would wait for the results of the investigations. His comments reflect a desire to address the tensions and find a peaceful resolution.

Police defend their actions

The police defended their intervention as proportional, asserting that their actions were necessary to maintain order. This statement has not eased the concerns of protesters, who continue to demand changes to eviction policies and rent regulations.